Survey of energized work practices among construction electricians

The purpose of this study was to determine energized or “live” work practices among construction electricians. A survey of electrician work practices was sent to 5,000 construction electricians by the IBEW. A total of 1,329 responses were received, a response rate of 26.6%. Eighty-five percent (1138) of the respondents identified themselves as Journeyman and 9% (127) as Apprentices. A primary question was whether they had worked “live” in the last month. Seventy-five percent said yes and 22% said no. However, 85% of those answering “no” indicated in responses to particular questions that they had worked live (e.g., used a voltmeter, operating a circuit breaker/fused switch with cover open). Other survey issues included questions on training on working “live”, use of PPE and other safety equipment, and whether the employer had a written electrical safety program. Electricians that had a written safety program were statistically more likely to use the PPE and other specified safety equipment when compared to the electricians that did not have a safety program. Recommendations from the study included: 1) adoption of an industry standard for a live-work permit system; 2) adoption of a standardized training system; and 3) OSHA adopt a lockout/tagout program for construction.